Las Vegas 2007 bargain hunt + tips

ferf1223

TangoBunny wrote: »

Breakfast question
Staying at IP,Tropicana and Flamingo
What are the breakfasts like in these properties

I can't say about those properties as I have never eaten at any (I wouldn't say any are particularly known for their food offerings), but consider trying the Peppermill...it's near the Riviera and while it's not particularly close to any of your hotels (closest is Flamingo and probably a mile up the strip) it's really worth a visit.

Menu with prices here (and you could easily split something between at least two - the portions are enormous - I had the fruit fantastia waffle last trip and I'm not a light eater and got through maybe 1/3 of it).

http://www.usmenuguide.com/peppermill.html

The Paris breakfast buffet isn't too far from you when staying at IP and Flamingo and many consider it the best in Vegas...we go once a trip.

Another option to consider is Gold Coast...it's ridiculously cheap (I think $6.99) and right next to Rio, so you could get a shuttle from Harrahs which is next to IP.

And if you don't already have it - loads of info on prices and ratings of buffets here:

http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/buffets.cfm

If you click on one you are interested in it will take you to loads of info including times and reviews.

Moncs_2

How do you do the upgrade tip?
Do you just put the money down on the desk in front of the receptionist and ask for an upgrade?

duchy

Moncs wrote: »

How do you do the upgrade tip?
Do you just put the money down on the desk in front of the receptionist and ask for an upgrade?

Bit more subtle than that
As you check in you smile-hand over your credit card with a folded $20 behind it but partially showing and say "do you have a nice room for us? "
Although the $20 trick is fairly widespread you are expected to be reasonably discreet.

allday247

allday247 wrote: »

Think i'm going to book via the Viator site as the package is similar, especially with the embedded video being the exact same one used on the HeliUSA site, with it even showing the HeliUSA helicopters . Just waiting on an email from them to confirm who the operator is.

Anyway for those interested in booking a similar deal with this site i've just found a 5% discount code. not much but better than nothing
type VR1D5 in the promotion box to have the discount applied.

Just had a reply back from Viator confirming that Heli USA are the operator for this tour. This means that booking via Viator affectively saves you $90 off the usual price (per person) compared to if you were to book direct with Heli USA.

Gonna book it right now then

mookybargirl

duchy wrote: »

Bit more subtle than that
As you check in you smile-hand over your credit card with a folded $20 behind it but partially showing and say "do you have a nice room for us? "
Although the $20 trick is fairly widespread you are expected to be reasonably discreet.

I put the money in the photo page of my passport as they ask for ID at check in anyway, and then as they open it, ask if they have any upgrades available.

Ferf - you're probably right about the conservatory. I was there on like the 9th or something. It was the one with all the US States. Very very disappointing.

PS - My fave buffet is Paris, although I do have a soft spot for the MGM Breakfast buffet, as the chef there makes great omlettes made to order. We tried the PH buffet again this year as we've been in when it was Alladin before - it was good but I personally still prefer Paris.

allday247

Just found a 10% discount code for the Viator site ( man i'm starting to sound like a plant for them :P ). Anyway the code is FABSAV. That brings the savings had on the Grand Canyon ranch adventure to $115 compared to booking direct with Heli USA! Obviously this code applies to any of their tours they provide so use away

PandaPants_2

duchy wrote: »

Bit more subtle than that
As you check in you smile-hand over your credit card with a folded $20 behind it but partially showing and say "do you have a nice room for us? "
Although the $20 trick is fairly widespread you are expected to be reasonably discreet.

When we checked into the MGM last year i said "we would be very grateful for any complimetary upgrade you could offer us" but the guy didnt see the $20 note. He shook his head, then spotted the cash when he took our passports and as if by magic, a strip view room became available! :rotfl:

gt568

mookybargirl wrote: »

PS - My fave buffet is Paris, although I do have a soft spot for the MGM Breakfast buffet, as the chef there makes great omlettes made to order. We tried the PH buffet again this year as we've been in when it was Alladin before - it was good but I personally still prefer Paris.

We tried both PH and Paris (we were staying in PH) and we preferred PH. Guess it's personal opinion really.

brummiekid

Thanks to everyone for a really interesting thread.
We have booked for 7-12 November so to attend the Nellis Airshow on 10/11 November.
Interestingly there are three of us travelling (39/40/45 all males) and I wondered if anyone had any feedback on what type of accommodation we could get away with bearing in mind we are on a budget!
We are two brothers and a friend and sharing a room is not a problem but a concern is how hotels view this type of arrangement.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

ferf1223

brummiekid wrote: »

Thanks to everyone for a really interesting thread.
We have booked for 7-12 November so to attend the Nellis Airshow on 10/11 November.
Interestingly there are three of us travelling (39/40/45 all males) and I wondered if anyone had any feedback on what type of accommodation we could get away with bearing in mind we are on a budget!
We are two brothers and a friend and sharing a room is not a problem but a concern is how hotels view this type of arrangement.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

We're there the 4th to the 12th - last year really meant to get to Aviation Nation but just never got around to it.

As for your question, 3 men sharing a room won't be a problem for the hotel as it happens all the time, they aren't going to think a thing about it...you will likely pay extra for the 3rd person if you declare that person when you make the reservation (some would say book for 2 and have the 3rd person hang back at check-in but there are risks with that). The most you will get is 2 beds normally so if two don't mind sharing a bed you will be fine...if you want a roll-away, you will have to make a note of that when you book.

For 3 guys I assume you aren't overly fussed with the room itself. Perhaps try Imperial Palace.

Flamingo and Bally's have some decent 'hot deals' for some of your nights but the weekend nights aren't cheap...Bally's rooms are quite large so for 3 adults may be worth considering. Bally's pool will be closed that time (though you can use the Paris pool if you want)...not sure if a pool is an important thing for you.

Hot deals can be found from this link:

http://www.harrahs.com/hot-deals/index.html

Excalibur deal here looks like it might be a decent price - weekends aren't as expensive as the Harrahs hotels.

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?pid=EXC&host=promo&code=XVEGA1&kbid=374305

Check here for more deals that might work - there are a lot but may be worth going through them to see where you can get the best deal.

http://www.vegas-promotions.com/November-2007/dp/1.htm

Have a great trip!